Global Francophone Cultures

Group in Quebec

Group in Quebec

For students who have one - two years of high school study or one - three semesters of college French, and who would like to gain fluency through immersion in French-speaking cultures. Students who have taken more French should take a 200 level course and apply for the fall program in France. Through this program, students who view global engagement as an important goal of their education will be able to take advantage of St. Lawrence's tradition of excellence in this area from the very start of their college career.

Based in Quebec City, Canada; Rouen, France, and Dakar, Senegal

Spring semester

Pre-requisites: 1-3 semester of college French, or 1-2 years high school French. Students who have completed high school French only will be required to take a language assessment to determine if their skill level meets the level required to complete the course work in France. 2.8 GPA recommended to apply

The program explores three distinct Francophone cultures in Québec City, Canada; Rouen, France and Dakar, Sénégal.

Quebec: The program begins with a 2-week stay in Quebec City at Linguabec, a language and culture institute connected to Laval University. During their time in Quebec students reside in home stays, study intensive French and learn about Quebecois culture. The group then flies together to our program site in Rouen, France.

Rouen: The St. Lawrence University Program in France is based in Rouen, a city of 125,000 people, 75 miles northwest of Paris. The University of Rouen is a modern university with about 30,000 students. In Rouen students reside with host families and take courses in the University's International Relations Department. There are opportunities to socialize with French students; however, French students do not take program classes.

Sénégal: The program includes a week-long educational excursion to Dakar, Sénégal organized by Africa Consultants International. The week consists of a 2 day cross-cultural immersion program including Wolof language; lectures and talks from a variety of academics and professional experts in Dakar, the country's financial and cultural center as well as visits to sites of contemporary and historical significance such as Gorée Island, Saint Louis and Toubab. Students are housed in pairs in host families throughout their time in Sénégal.

The spring semester is designed for students with minimal exposure to French who are interested in developing competency in the language and in exploring three distinct francophone cultures. Half of the academic program for the spring semester is intensive work in French language. The other two courses, which focus on France, are taught in English.

All scheduled group activities, including field trips, are included in the comprehensive fee. Students will have an extensive schedule of visits to museums, galleries, theaters and monuments that will complement their classes. These visits are planned with the goal of furthering the students' understanding of French and Francophone culture. In addition, the group will have day trips connected with various classes.

Throughout the year, students may attend the theater, symphony concerts and other selected events in Rouen. They are reimbursed according to program guidelines for attending cultural activities of their own choosing.

The family experience constitutes a prime element of the academic program in France. Students are typically placed one per household in homes distributed throughout Rouen and the Mont-Saint-Agnian area. The families provide a pleasant atmosphere for students and family members participate in a variety of the group's activities. Host families provide breakfast, dinners, and all meals on weekends. A stipend is provided for weekday lunches.

Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the students participation in the program. This includes a program specific session(s) in which the students will learn more about the program, local culture, academic expectations, and any other important information. There is also an orientation session lead by the CIIS office on culture shock, and what to expect, as well as safety and security while abroad.

On-site: Students begin their orientation to Francophone cultures with their two-week stay in Quebec City. Along with intensive French classes at the Universite Laval, the SLU professor accompanying the group - and the host families - will help students with cultural adjustment issues. The orientation to French culture will continue when the group arrives in France.

Students admitted to St. Lawrence are able to apply to the Global Francophone Cultures FYS Program on-line. Applications are due by September 10, but incoming first-year students who apply by July 15 will be be notified of acceptance prior to their arrival on campus. A link to the application can be found at the bottom of the page.

Admission to the program is based on the quality of the application and the applicant’s previous academic record. Candidates for the Global Francophone Cultures FYS Program must also present evidence of maturity, responsibility and cultural sensitivity. If you have questions about the application process or about the program, please contact the Center for International and Intercultural Studies at St. Lawrence University at 315-299-5991 or CIIS@stlawu.edu